Nanette Cortez
Have you ever thought about the way you greet someone? Have you ever thought about how much importance you should give in a greeting? You can tell a lot about relationships between spouses, family, and friends by the way they greet one another. You can see it in their expression, their countenance, and the way they talk.
I was reading a book recently and in it, they were talking about greetings. My mind automatically went to my grandma Simpson. I think she was the best greeter ever! No matter who it was, when you came to see her, she would open up the front door with so much excitement, give you a big hug showing you how happy she was to see you and welcome you in her home. Even if she ran into you somewhere besides her home, she would have a huge smile on her face. Sometimes she would clap her hand in excitement showing you all the pleasure it was to see you. She always made you feel like you were the most important person there at the moment.
My grandpa on my mom’s side was the same way. Every time me or my sisters would see him, he would give us a big hug and say “you know your grandpa’s girl.” Oh, how it made you feel like you were special to him.
So it got me thinking about how important greetings are. It must be important because they even talk about greetings in the bible. The apostle Paul told his readers to greet one another warmly. Jesus said at the Sermon on the Mount to be humble and gracious enough to address your enemies with kindness. Think about the prodigal son. How important his father’s greeting was when he came home. How do you think it made him feel after he had messed up so badly and felt like such a failure when he sees his dad run to embrace him and talks to him in a loving tone.
Your greeting can change a relationship. When someone shows they are glad to see you, your self worth increases. You feel valued and appreciated. It can lessen the tension in the air. A good greeting sets the stage for positive interaction. It doesn’t have to be a bold and dramatic greeting every time. A simple smile, adding warm enthusiasm, a word, a touch, your tone of voice, a small way to make them feel important. Even when you are passing by someone in the hall, smile at them rather than ignoring them or walking past them with a frown on your face. It will change their countenance.
So think about this, how do you greet others? How do you greet your spouse when you wake up when he comes home from work? Do you make him feel glad he is there? How are you greeting acquaintances and those you meet in public? Think about your greeting. Use it well, spread joy. Make them feel valued, appreciated, and loved. Remember this is a choice you choose everyday. Choose love. Choose joy.
